Thatbyinnyu Temple, Bagan

Thatbyinnyu Temple is a Buddhist Temple located within Bagan Archaeological Zone. The Archaeoloigcal Zone is open 24 hours a days to facilitate sunrise and sunset viewing of the temple complex, however, you need to buy a three day pass to get access to Bagan Archaeological Zone (including Thatbyinnyu Temple) which costs 25,000 Kyat, which is approximately $16 USD at the current exchange rate.

About Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu Temple was constructed around 1150 during the reign of King Sithu I, and is the tallest temple in the Bagan Archaeological Zone at 61 metres above ground level. The square base of the temple is approximately 58 metres wide on each side. The temple has two storeys. The monks originally lived on the bottom two levels with the top level containing a Buddha shrine.

Thatbyinnyu Temple in Bagan

Thatbyinnyu Temple appear to have never been fully completed. Temples in Bagan generally have glazed terracotta plaques with depictions of the Jataka tales, which tell the storey of the life of the Lord Buddha. There are over 500 indentations in the walls and base of the temple which appear to have been made for the purpose of receiving the plaques which never materialised in the end. Nonetheless, the Thatbyinnyu Temple marks the start of a new period for Bagan in terms of the beliefs of the city, the temple was dedicated to Theravada Buddhism whereas before Mahayana Buddhism and Hindu beliefs had been important, and a new architectural style which is evident in later temples in Bagan such as the Sulamani, Htilominlo and Gawdawpalin Temples. Unfortunately, Thatbyinnyu Temple has suffered over the years, particularly from an earthquake in 1975, and visitors are not permitted to ascend to the upper terraces for the views from this tall structure.

Location Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu Temple is 12.8 km from Bagan Railway Station.

Travel to Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu Temple is located near Bagan. Follow the links below for information about travel to Bagan: